The fine-dining establishment, owned by the Four Seasons Resort and helmed by executive chef Rogelio Garcia, opened in November 2022 to critical acclaim. Its first star came last summer – impressively, less than a year after its opening.
The restaurant offers a seven-course Northern California-inspired tasting menu that showcases French techniques and Mexican and Japanese culinary influences.
"This recognition is a testament to the creativity and hard work of our entire team,” Garcia said in a statement. “We strive to offer our guests an unforgettable experience that celebrates the bounty of Napa Valley and this award inspires us to continue pushing boundaries."
The Michelin Guide was originally developed by the French tire company at the turn of the 20th century to provide motorists with maps as well as lodging and dining recommendations for their travels. Following World War I, the annual guide was revamped to highlight regional restaurant selections. In the 1920s, the guide’s famed star-rating system was introduced. Today, the guide – and its star rating system – is still regarded as a measure of the top restaurants in the culinary world.
This spring, Garcia was recognized by the culinary industry’s other top honor when he was nominated for a prestigious James Beard Award in the Best Chef: California category.
“I’m still trying to figure out myself how this all happened; I don’t know,” Garcia told the Tribune in April. “But I do know that I am surrounded by a strong team. It’s not a one-man show,” he said, referring to everyone from the Auro front and back-of-house staff, the Four Seasons team and his family.
Next up for Garcia is the September release of his cookbook, Convivir: Modern Mexican Cuisine in California’s Wine Country, which will highlight his Mexican heritage as well as the local produce of Northern California.
